Fathers have a lot on their shoulders. They are charged with providing for their family, something which is harder as the economy goes down (1 Tim. 5:8). They are to raise their children in the Lord, which is no small feat in this wicked world (Eph. 6:4). A man must be willing to sacrifice and put his family above himself; thinking about their well being.
As a man raises a daughter, he is concerned with many things in her life. The most important thing is whether or not she is a Christian. He must teach her the Scripture from childhood (2 Tim. 3:15). His overall example must be one of a dedicated child of God to reinforce the teaching.
Additionally, a father must be a good husband. He needs to be the man he wants his daughter to marry. The example he sets in his home, the behavior his daughter witnesses day to day, will be the pattern impressed on her mind of what a husband ought to be. At the very least, she will see he daddy and his life as what is acceptable in a man. She will view potential husbands with this frame of reference because that is what she knows.
Therefore, men, love your wives as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). Willingly sacrifice for your wife. Nourish and cherish her (Eph. 5:29). Hold her in honor, dwelling with her with understanding (1 Pet. 3:7).
If your daughter were to go out today and marry a man that is just like you what would she get? Would she be ignored or belittled? Would she get a selfish man that is overbearing and hateful? Would her husband yell at her and lose his temper over the slightest issue? Or, would she be happily married to a man who respects her, protects her, and is lovingly devoted to her well being?
Fathers, be the man you want your daughter to marry, because she probably will.
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